How To Add a Custom Modpack to Your Minecraft Server

While our one-click Modpack Installer supports hundreds of modpacks, you may occasionally want to run a modpack not available in our installer. This guide covers everything you need to know to manually install any custom modpack on your SimpleGameHosting Minecraft server.

⚠️ Warning: Custom modpacks are not guaranteed to work on servers. We highly recommend backing up your server before proceeding, as this process will overwrite your current server files.

Step 1: Clear Your Existing Server Files

🛑 Wait: We recommend creating a backup before proceeding. You can follow this guide to learn how. The following steps will delete your current world/setup.

1. Go to your Console and click Stop to turn the server offline.
   
   
2. Go to the Modpacks & Versions tab. If a modpack or game version is installed, click Uninstall.
   
   
   
3. Confirm the uninstallation by pressing Yes and wait for the installer to run. 
   
   
   
4. Open the Files tab, select all files, and click Delete.
   
   
   

Step 2: Download the Modpack/Serverpack Files

Most modpacks require a specific Server Pack containing the files needed to run on a server. 

This example uses CurseForge.

1. Search for your modpack on the CurseForge website.
   
   
2. Go to the Files tab, find and click the version of the modpack, and then click View Full Page
   
   
   
3. Scroll down to Additional Files, locate the Server Pack, and download it using the dots to the right of the file.
   

If your modpack does not offer a server pack.

1. Open your CurseForge desktop app, search and download the modpack. 
   
   
2. From the My Modpacks tab on CurseForge, right-click the modpack, and Click Open Folder
   
   
   
3. Locate the local mods and config files. Copy these folders to your desktop so they are easy to access when you upload them later. Modpack file structures vary. The most important folders to transfer is the mods. 
   
   
   

⚠️Note: If your server pack includes a server.properties file, make sure to upload that as well.

Step 3: Install the Correct Game Version & Mod Loader on Server

You must match the exact Minecraft version and Mod Loader (Forge, NeoForge, or Fabric) that the modpack uses.

Check your modpack details in CurseForge to note its exact Minecraft version and mod loader version. Like in the example shown below:

1. In your server Control Panel, navigate to Modpacks & Versions > Version Manager.
   
   
2. Select your mod loader (Forge/NeoForge/Fabric), find the correct game version, and click Install. Then follow the onscreen popup to confirm the installation.
   
   
3. Go to the Console tab and click Start to generate the server folders, then immediately click Stop once it loads.

4. Go to your Files tab and delete the freshly generated folders:

   1. Forge/NeoForge: Delete config, defaultConfig, and mods.

   2. Fabric: Delete the mods folder. (Fabric only generates a config folder after mods are added and the server is restarted).

Step 4: Upload Mod Files via SFTP to Server

Now, upload the custom modpack files directly to your server.

1. You'll need to connect to your server using an SFTP client like FileZilla (see our SFTP Setup Guide for help). To find your SFTP login details:
   
   
2. Go to the Files tab in your control panel.
   
   
3. Click the SFTP button in the top right corner to reveal your credentials
   
4. Open the FileZilla app and fill in the top fields using your SFTP login information:
   
   1. Host: Your Server Address
   2. Username: Your SFTP Username
   3. Password: Your Control Panel Password
   4. Port: Leave blank (FileZilla will fill this automatically)
      
      
5. Click Quick Connect after entering your details on FileZilla to connect to your server. If an "Unknown host key" warning pops up, check the box to trust the host and click OK.
   
   
6. Once connected, your server’s files will appear in the Remote Site window on the right side of the screen.
   
   
7. Drag and drop the mods, config, and defaultconfig folders directly into your server’s main directory.

⚡Note: Every modpack is built differently. If yours only has a mods folder, just upload that. The server will automatically generate fresh config files the first time you start it.

Step 5: Join the Server

1. Start your server from the Control Panel and wait for it to show online. 
   
   
2. Launch the modpack on your computer or laptop using the CurseForge app or prefered mod loader. (All players joining must use the exact same modpack version). 
   
   
3. In Minecraft, go to Multiplayer > Add Server, paste your server IP, and connect.
   
   

💡Tip: Try using the direct connect option too on the mutlplayer menu if you're having issues connecting by adding it as a server.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Running into issues when installing a custom modpack is very common. Note that some modpacks are simply not designed to run on a multiplayer server environment. If your server is struggling, check the common solutions below.

Server Won't Start or Crashes on Startup

• Insufficient RAM (Out of Memory): Most modpacks require at least 6GB of RAM to boot and run smoothly. If your server lacks enough memory, it will crash immediately or fail to start. See our guide on How to Add More RAM to Your Server.
• Incompatible/Client-Side Mods: Some mods are strictly client-side (like visual HUDs or minimaps) and will crash a server if uploaded.
  • Go to your Files tab and open the crash-reports folder.
  • Open the latest log and scan the "Stacktrace" section for specific mod names. You will need to remove or update these problematic mods.
  • For extra help, check out our guides on How to Find Crash Reports and How to Read Server Crash Reports.
• Incorrect Mod Loader Version: If you installed the wrong version of Forge, NeoForge, or Fabric, the server won't start.

💡 Tip: If you have to reinstall your mod loader, you will need to re-upload your mods folder afterward to ensure compatibility.

Cannot Join the Server

• Missing Local Mods: You must have the exact same modpack and version installed on your own computer. Ensure you are launching the game through the CurseForge app (or your preferred launcher) before attempting to connect.

 Server Randomly Crashes During Gameplay

• RAM Spikes: If the server boots fine but crashes while players are exploring or building, it is likely running out of memory. Heavy modpacks put a high demand on hardware, and you may need to upgrade your server RAM.

If you need help, don't hesitate to reach out to our support team by submitting a Support Ticket or contacting us directly via LiveChat!